Starting Out...part 2

Here goes... brace yourself!

A little bit about my background so that the continuation of my experience will make sense. I was born in Jamaica and arrived in the UK when I had just turned 13. So I never really grew up around my mother; I grew up around my dad and his side of the family.

I lived about a mile from my mother back in Jamaica and I would only see her a few times growing up as my school were in the opposite direction to where my mother lived. So I would go to basic school and primary school in the left direction while my mother lived in the right direction.

I attended secondary school for 1 year and then I moved to England. Back then it was very expensive to call home so I wouldn't hear from my mother often either. It would have to be a planned call. Twenty-twenty is making me feel my age now. Although I don't look it- that's another post for another time :)

In 2014 the day after New Years Day I received a call from my sister. I am the eldest of 7 children that my mother had. At the time I was busy working on my dream, I had planned to gain experience working in a salon alongside studying full-time. I was in no position to make any big plans as such - I was taking life one day at a time. I was technically broke!! Can anyone relate to that last sentence?

I was on my lunch break when I saw my sister’s name on my phone screen. My heart skipped a beat. My worst fear is finally becoming a reality. I stayed calm. I tried to have a strong mind as its something I always strive to do in difficult situations. Having a strong mind regardless of what you’re going through can definitely help to address the situation better. Being emotional will make it even worse. You can’t think straight, you cry, you scream, have a tantrum, you get angry, etc. But I stayed calm.

So I braced myself and answered the call. I said “hello” my sister was already crying. I asked her “what happened” and she answered, “mom died!!!”

I could not believe the words she said.

I was in so much shock the tears failed to come…

How would you respond in this situation?

Would you have stayed calm?

What would you say to your family member or friend?